Thor, Volume One (Classic Review)

Originally released in 2008.

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Artist: Olivier Coipel

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Collects: Thor #1-6

The first page of this collection tells you everything you need to know about the rest of it: Gorgeous artwork and lofty dialogue.

After Ragnarok, the battle to end all battles, Asgard and its residents have been wiped out. From the void of nothingness, Thor is resurrected by his former alter ego Dr. Don Blake, who is also restored to reality. And so Thor sets about rebuilding that which was lost; reconstructing Asgard in a field in Oklahoma, and seeking out his people in the bodies of mortals.

I fell in love with this story the first time I read it. Coipel's art is simply divine, with powerful designs, striking layouts, and realistic body language and facial expressions. I can recognise each unique character and feel as though I know them intimately. He works in conjunction with Straczynski to create a rich atmosphere whatever the tone, whether dark and grim or light and humorous. The famous Laura Martin on colours doesn't hurt either.

Superman: Earth One (Review)

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Artist:  Shane Davis

Publisher: DC Comics

Collects: Original graphic novel

For those of you who are not aware, Superman: Earth One is DC's recent attempt to "moderise" Superman for today's audience. It is a self-contained story that retells the classic origin we all know and love.

A young Clark Kent arrives in Metropolis, unsure of what to do with his life. Eventually facing an alien threat, he realises that he can only save humanity by standing apart from them as Superman, but still must hold on to the human values he was raised with.

There were two moments that stood out in this for me. One was in the writing and one was in the art, so I guess that works out pretty well.